Punk Rock

Nobody said it would last, but Punk Rock continues to thrive some thirty years after its modern-day origins in 1970s New York City. Although its actual date and place of birth is often debated, most would probably point to clubs like CBGBs and Max's Kansas City and the bands who played there like the New York Dolls, Ramones, Television, and Patti Smith. There is likewise little doubt that the loud, fast, and primal sound of punk had its predecessors in bands like Detroit's Iggy And The Stooges and New York's Velvet Underground.

As the New York punk sound gained attention, a similar scene sprang out of England, as U.K. punk bands like the Clash, the Jam, and especially the Sex Pistols turned both the outrage and political factors up several notches. Although most of these bands were initially commercial flops, they would go on to influence second and even third generation bands like Black Flag, Sonic Youth, Green Day, and Nirvana.

Today, Punk Rock remains a massive influence on the alternative and indie rock genres. Its fans on the blogosphere can be found at sites like the Punk Vault and Punk Turns 30.